December 1, 2025

Applicants must be a doctoral or master's student.

To help prepare graduate students for future leadership roles in higher education through mentorship, education and training. Goals include:

• Educate graduate students about university leadership and the roles and responsibilities of senior academic leaders and administrators.
• Expose graduate students to administrators through one-on-one conversations.
• Enhance the leadership skills of graduate students through engaged discussion and professional development activities.

1. Attend weekly seminars and roundtables
2. Meet with administrators for informational interviews
3. Participate in weekly professional development activities

Each week, BEST Scholars are joined by senior University leaders for a presentation and discussion, followed by a group reflection, conversation, and professional development activities. 

Scholars will be allowed two excused absences throughout the duration of the program. Scholars with excessive absences may be dismissed from the program and will not receive certificates of completion. The program will run from late January to early May. 

Senior administrative staff will help select a diverse and cross-disciplinary cohort of promising scholars.

Student Application 

Complete through UFunds, See under “Graduate School Distinctive Opportunities.”

Components to Prepare

1. CV or resume
2. Personal statement of 500 words or less that outlines the applicant’s educational and professional career aspirations and states how participation in the BEST Program will assist in meeting those goals
3. Statement on areas of particular interest in higher education administration (eg, academic affairs, diversity and inclusion, faculty affairs, governance, student support, or career services)

Components to Request

Through UFunds: 

1. Message of support from your DGS (affirming student standing)
2. Message of recommendation from a faculty advisor, thesis/dissertation committee member, or department chair who can affirm why participation in the program will be valuable for you. (If your DGS can affirm student standing and recommend you to the program, this may be sent as one combined message.)

For any questions, please contact Graduate_Dean@brown.edu.